A computer generated image of Whitecroft Group's flagship residential development at the historic 18th century shot tower and former leadworks in Chester.

Sign up to FREE email alerts from CheshireLive - daily

When you subscribe we will use the information you provide to send you these newsletters. Sometimes they’ll include recommendations for other related newsletters or services we offer. OurPrivacy Noticeexplains more about how we use your data, and your rights. You can unsubscribe at any time.

Construction Partnership UK Limited (CPUK) had been working on the housing scheme, built around the 18th century lead shot tower in Boughton.

But last month it went into administration due to financial problems.

Originally scheduled for completion this summer, progress on the project has also been impacted by lockdown.

CPUK employees were placed on furlough leave due to the pandemic even before the company entered administration.

The Shot Tower housing scheme in Boughton.

But developers Whitecroft Group are hopeful delays can be kept to a minimum on a scheme that comprises 54 one and two-bedroom apartments, 15 two and three-bedroom duplex apartments and three four-bedroom townhouses.

A spokesperson said: “We were fortunate that by mid-March the Shot Tower had progressed to the latter stages of completion. Whilst we had the double effect of lockdown and the news that the principle contractor had gone into administration, this resulted in only a minor delay.

“We have a management team on site coordinating all the main contractors with a target completion of early October 2020. We’d like to assure buyers that our aim to launch Chester’s iconic Shot Tower remains firmly on course.”

Top news stories

There will be a heritage interpretation centre for visitors because the homes are on the site of Chester’s historic leadworks.

The 168-ft tall Grade II listed shot tower has been a feature of the city skyline for more than 200 years as the city’s highest structure. It was part of the lead works established in the late 18th century to manufacture shot for British muskets during the Napoleonic Wars.

The lead works officially closed in 2001 when lead engineering specialists Calder relocated to Jupiter Drive on Chester West Employment Park.